West Palm Beach Assault Lawyer

Ronald S. Chapman, P.A., vigorously defends clients charged with simple and aggravated assault.
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Assault Lawyer in West Palm Beach

Did you know that the prosecutor can charge you with assault even if you did not injure anyone? The prosecutor can charge you with assault if he or she believes you made a credible threat of harm against another person. If convicted, you face jail time and a fine. Moreover, penalties can increase if you use a deadly weapon during the altercation.

You might think that if you have been charged, a guilty verdict is a foregone conclusion, but that is not the case. The burden of proof rests with the prosecution, and you can mount a vigorous defense.

Ronald S. Chapman has over 34 years of experience defending people against assault and aggravated assault charges. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a consultation with our West Palm Beach assault lawyer.

Possible Assault Defenses

Your assault attorney in West Palm Beach will discuss the events with you and review the evidence. Then your lawyer will mount a defense to challenge the prosecutor’s case. Some possible defenses include:

  • You acted in self-defense
  • Your actions were justified
  • You were standing your ground
  • The alleged victim made false allegations against you
  • The evidence does not prove that you intended to threaten the other person

What Is Simple Assault?

Simple assault is a misdemeanor with steep penalties, including jail, probation, and fines. However, the prosecutor cannot simply say you committed assault and secure a conviction. Instead, the state must meet the criteria when proving the case.

First, the state must prove that you intentionally threatened violence with words or actions. Second, it must show that you could carry out the threat. Finally, the prosecution has to prove that you carried out an action that caused the other party to believe that violence was impending.

The intent is very important in these cases. The state has to show that you intended for the person to think you would commit an act of violence.

If you are facing an assault charge, contact our West Palm Beach assault lawyer to go over the details of your case. Even though this is only a misdemeanor charge, it can stay on your record permanently, so take steps to defend yourself today.

What Is Aggravated Assault?

Aggravated assault is an assault with a deadly weapon without an intent to kill or with the intent to commit a felony.

Aggravated assault is a very serious charge. If convicted, you could lose your right to own a firearm, vote in elections, and more. The possible jail sentence, fines, and probation period are far greater with a felony like aggravated assault than they are for a misdemeanor. Thus, consult with an aggravated assault defense attorney in West Palm Beach before going to court.

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WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
Speak with your witnesses.
Present legal motions to the judge.
Investigate your defenses.
Represent you at your trial.
Try to get the best possible result for you.

Ronald S. Chapman has practiced criminal defense in Florida state and federal courts since 1990, handling DUI cases in Palm Beach County involving first arrests, repeat offenses, injury, and property damage. Over the years, his case reviews have focused closely on testing records, officer reports, and the events leading to the arrest.

That experience can be really important when choosing a DUI defense lawyer, since the attorney you work with may affect how your license issues, criminal case, and defense strategy are addressed.

Ron Chapman is a solo criminal defense practitioner with more than 36 years of experience and 500+ jury trials and hearings. His clients work directly with him throughout their criminal defense matters.

  • 36+ years of criminal defense experience, practicing since 1990
  • 500+ jury trials and hearings in Florida state and federal courts
  • Direct attorney-client representation from a solo practitioner
  • Criminal defense involving felonies and misdemeanors
  • Representation in Florida state and federal courts
  • Spanish-speaking support for criminal defense representation — Hablamos Español
  • Experience handling serious criminal cases, including high-profile courtroom defense highlighted in Gary Greensberg's Globe Crime Extra article, “I, The Juror”

When you choose Ronald S. Chapman, P.A., you work directly with the attorney handling your criminal defense matter. Early representation can be considered before formal charges are filed, if appropriate. If you are facing criminal charges or an investigation in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County, Contact Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. for a meeting to discuss your situation and your options.

What Is A Deadly Weapon?

You can get a charge of aggravated assault if you use or threaten violence with a deadly weapon. The legal definition of a deadly weapon is anything likely to cause great bodily harm or death. You likely know that guns and knives are classified as deadly weapons. However, the definition is quite broad and includes cars, beer bottles, and other objects. Thus, reach out to a West Palm Beach aggravated assault attorney to challenge the charges.

Does Aggravated Assault Include Mandatory Minimums?

If you were convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm before June 30, 2016, the judge had to sentence you to a minimum of three years in prison. That is no longer the case. However, you still face up to five years in prison if convicted. Due to those steep penalties, it is wise to consult with a West Palm Beach aggravated assault lawyer if you are facing these charges.

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Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Mr. Chapman has represented my son on two different occasions. In both instances, Mr. Chapman was very conscientious and hard-working. As a result of his hard work, Mr. Chapman achieved a good outcome for my son in both of his cases. If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer, I highly recommend Mr. Chapman.
L.C.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
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Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.